What happened
On November 4, 2018, a Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica RV-10, registration PR-ZMZ, departed from Varginha (SBVG) bound for Brasília (SIQE). The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers. At approximately 14:30 UTC, while overflying the Patos de Minas (SNPD) airfield, the aircraft was observed performing a steep left turn with a high bank angle before impacting the ground approximately 1,000 meters from the threshold of runway 27. The impact resulted in five fatalities and substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation by CENIPA examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's configuration, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot held a valid medical certificate and a single-engine land rating, but lacked Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) authorization. The aircraft was registered as a Private Experimental (PET) category and was not certified for IFR operations.
Investigators analyzed satellite imagery from REDEMET, which revealed significant cloud cover along the flight route and low ceilings at the accident site. While the engine was still functioning seconds before impact, the investigation considered whether the pilot attempted an unscheduled landing at SNPD due to weather or fuel concerns. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the aircraft was carrying one occupant beyond its registered capacity, which altered the weight and balance, though the exact Center of Gravity (CG) could not be verified due to missing weight and balance records.
Findings
- The pilot was not rated for instrument flight (IFR).
- The aircraft was not certified for IFR operations.
- The aircraft was operating with one occupant exceeding the manufacturer's limit.
- Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of clouds along the route and at the accident site.
- The accident occurred due to contributing factors including errors in flight planning, pilot judgment, and the application of flight controls.